By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he won’t interfere with the investigation surrounding the alleged theft of $4 million at his Limpopo farm.
Ramaphosa faced questions from the media on the $4 million robber at his Phala Phala in Waterberg, Limpopo, which is said to have taken place on 9 February 2020.
Fraser last week laid criminal charges against the president of money laundering, kidnapping and corruption.
He had claimed that the suspects who broke into the president’s property were subsequently kidnapped, interrogated, and paid off to keep silent.
During Friday’s briefing, Ramaphosa maintained that due process must be followed regarding the ongoing investigations into the robbery.
“Let the due process happen as regards to things like was this laundering, how much money was there, was there any torture and all those related questions, “he said.
“I would like to hold on to that whilst I give consideration to the positions that we’ve also put to me in the National Assembly. And I do that with respect [because] I am a process person and the process must unfold,” he said.
If I were to be charged, yes the processes in the governing party will have to unfold,” he said.
The ANC this week defended Ramaphosa, saying the president would not step aside and confirmed that he would voluntarily present himself to the party’s integrity commission following a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting.
The governing party said the ANC president would be afforded the opportunity to address the allegations by Fraser.
“As you well have known I have offered to go myself, on a voluntary basis, to the integrity and we will be seeing them, but a date hasn’t not being set yet, “Ramaphosa added.
Regarding Fraser report the matter to the police, Ramaphosa said the former SSA director-general had a right to do so.
“He has done what he has done and has the right like any citizen to report criminality. That is the right of all our citizens that we all have,” the president said.
Ramaphosa also said the ANC’s step side rule would be enforced against him if he is charged.
If I were to be charged, yes the processes in the governing party will have to unfold,” he said.
As you well have known I have offered to go myself, on a voluntary basis, to the integrity and we will be seeing them, but a date hasn’t not being set yet, “Ramaphosa added.
Regarding Fraser report the matter to the police, Ramaphosa said the former SSA director-general had a right to do so.
“He has done what he has done and has the right like any citizen to report criminality. That is the right of all our citizens that we all have, “the president said.
The president added that he expects the authorities to act as fairly as possible, just like the office of the Public Protector when investigating the matter.
The Public Protector’s office confirmed on Wednesday that a complaint was lodged by the ATM against Ramaphosa for allegedly breaching the Executive Code of Ethics in relation to the robbery.
The investigation and report into the incident is expected be completed in 30 days.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DCPI), also known as the Hawks, has received the docket into the robbery from the South African Police Service.
Ramaphosa’ appearance was again marred by endless points of orders and the removal of MPs.
EFF MPs again objected to being addressed by the president, citing the criminal complaint against him by former spy boss, Arthur Fraser.
MP Sinawo Thambo accused Ramaphosa of going against his oath.
Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula eventually suspended proceedings after a number of EFF MPs were physically removed from the chamber.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of Parliament.